Man United can sign their own Declan Rice for £43m as Ineos monitor midfield star

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United may have missed out on signing Declan Rice but they can sign the next best thing in 2026.

The Red Devils missed out on bringing in any midfield reinforcements over the summer transfer market despite links to Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.

Ineos decided to remain patient, with United ready to sign a midfielder in 2026 instead. So far this season, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been Ruben Amorim’s go-to midfield duo.

But with Casemiro in the final year of his contract and Fernandes linked with Saudi Arabia, a midfield overhaul is on the horizon.

Amorim wants an athletic midfielder to be signed, and Ineos have got their eyes on a target.

Man United linked with Angelo Stiller deal

Over the summer, there were brief links to Angelo Stiller, who has been impressing at VFB Stuttgart.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey exclusively told United in Focus that Stiller is on United’s radar heading into 2026 alongside Manu Kone.

That has now been relayed by Florian Plettenberg, who adds that Stiller is open to the move and could be available for €50m (£43m) next summer.

Stiller could be an alternative to Baleba next summer, and it seems he would also be a cheaper option for Ineos.

If fans aren’t aware of Stiller’s style of play, he shares many similarities with some world-class midfielders.

Angelo Stiller compares with Declan Rice and Luka Modric

Amorim wants intensity, physicality and technique in his two central midfield options, and Stiller appears to be a perfect fit.

As per Fbref, Stiller’s style is similar to that of Declan Rice at Arsenal.

United wanted to sign Rice when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was manager, but he instead made a £105m move to North London in 2023.

Like the England international, Stiller is incredibly competent in possession but is also hard-working and defensively solid.

READ MORE: Man Utd on the trail of George Shepherd, wonderkid could be the next Frank Lampard

Stiller ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for progressive passes made per 90, while he is also in the top 5% for assists, passes attempted and shot-creating actions.

Stuttgart also line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation identical to Amorim’s setup, so adapting to life in Manchester would be easy for the German midfielder.